Hi Peg,
I’m planning to replace my permeated hoses with either pvc schedule 40 and am wondering if black ABS pipe used for home sewage would be even better, mainly because the fittings are more streamlined to keep stuff flowing. Also seems like pipe just up to the vented loop is the only critical permeated area since everything else is down hill? Thanks for you advise and thanks for writing your great book! Greg

Hi Peg:
I an have multiple issues with my boat sanitation systems. Could use some advice. The first issue I am having is with a Jabsco Head. I had the discharge line get plugged with calcification and as part of cleaning the line i rebuilt the pump with the jabsco rebuild kit. Noe with the new kit the system does not pump on dry bowl consistently. The lever will shift slightly off of its flush position and stop the pump action. I have to hold the lever in the flush position for it to work. Is this just a defective rebuild kit?

Greetings, Peg Hall:
Thank you very much for writing that book! Read the whole thing on a Sunday, attacked my waste tank venting system and associated hoses on Monday and by Thursday I was singing your praises as I tossed the in line waste tank vent filter and 3 feet of extraneous hose into the trash.
I am getting ready to freshen up my freshwater tanks as they are near empty and the water smells a little off.This is a "new to me" '86 Pearson 34.On previous boats I have used the bleach cleanse technique but as I have two bladder tanks in the Pearson. I think I should avoid bleach and its effect on rubber.What would you suggest for cleaning / rinsing bladders and suggestions for preserving "nice" water?I do have one of those RV end of hose charcoal filters for filling tanks.
Thank you again for making the nastiest job on board one of the most rewarding!
Sincere Regards,
Stu Moore
Oriental, NC

Peg,
I have your book and have used many recommendation as I design my new head system. I do have a question about vent loops when installing a fresh water head (the Raritan Fresh Head) and when installing the Raritan SeaEra QC with the raw water/fresh water option (called Sea Fresh). I also have questions of the hose and valve locations as they tie back into the discharge line. Time is of the essence since the boat yard is installing both these toilet systems now. Can I send you some drawings and possibly discuss their plan with you for feedback? P.S. Josh Roberts said to say hello. Meg

After browsing a myriad of sites, images and forums, I think I'm close to identifying my new-to-me head on my new-to-me yacht. However, I was wondering if you may shed some light on the matter please?

Fortunately, I also stumbled across some forum threads on Wilcox Winner heads, and believe my head 'may' be an old Wilcox-Crittenden. How would I go about sending some images to you for confirmation? That is of course, if you are ok with helping?

Have an older 848 head and a canister bomb holding tank with the oldest school pump. This is on a 1989 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer we bought last fall. When we got it the system wouldn't hold vac for more then 2 minutes...put 4 new duckbills in, full rebuild kit for head and did the shaving cream test on on fittings between pump and head. At best after the duckbills were installed I could get it now to hold vac for 5-6 minutes.

Buddy said it's time to check the vac switch but all write ups I see are talking about failing switches that leave the pump run long...but I see there is a diagram inside that tank. It's really hard to tell what kind of shape it is in...is that the next guess?

Hello,
We are a american cruising family in Australia currently getting ready to cross the Indian Ocean as soon as we get to Darwin. We have a Raritan II that we replaced the joker and flapper valves on a year and a halfago. We also replaced the shaft seal about a month ago. I couldnt fit the tothed ring on it (I think it was) it was so tight. After reassembly it worked great..at first. Now it sometimes suddenly looses the grip while pumping and the pump handle feels all loose. Its like you have to do some quick pumps to prime it begore it pumps any water again. If youre on dry, its impossible to get it to "bite" once it has lost it. Do you have any suggestions? We will leave Townsville here soon and sail straight to Darwin. Im considering ordering a new repairkit and have it shipped to Darwin so its there when we get there, but im not sure it will do any good.
Thanks for any advice
Beatrice on sv Elin
sailblogs.com/member/shoemaker/

Peggie,
After checking your profile I see you do know Jack **** too. It looks like we may be of the same era also. I was a SeaLand dealer and certified tech from about 1986 to 2000. I did a brisk business in late 80's thru the 90's retrofitting boats to the Vacu Flush system. I could diagnose and repair the systems with my eyes closed.
It is a pleasure meeting another great mind that is in the toilet, so to speak.

About Me

About peghall

Occupation

Author/Marine Sanitation Consultant

Biography

Peggie Hall is nationally recognized in the boating industry as one of the few experts in marine sanitation, and is often referred to as “the Head Mistress.” As a member of ABYC, she was a member of a sanitation project technical committee formed to establish a standard for sanitation equipment and installation onboard from its inception in 1991 through 1996. She has written a number of articles for major boating magazines, is often asked to speak at conferences, conduct seminars for various organizations and at major boat shows, and is a consultant to a number of state agencies. She also hosts plumbing and sanitation forums on several internet boating sites and is the author of "Get Rid of Boat Odor--a Boat owner's guide to marine sanitation systems and other sources of aggravation and odor," now out it's second edition "The New Get Rid of Boat Odors" --the only book devoted entirely to marine sanitation systems and other odor issues. She is an independent consultant who receives no compensation of any kind from any product or equipment manufacturer.